Duncan Gordon

After graduating from the University of Glasgow in my native Scotland in 2015 with an MA Geography and Spanish degree, I left the UK for China; eager to learn more about a country that had always fascinated me. After a year teaching English in Beijing I was comfortable in my new surroundings and enjoying learning the language, however I realised teaching wasn't for me and began searching for another job, eventually landing one as Social Media Copywriter in China Report ASEAN's nascent social media arm. I have had an amazing year, from interviewing several ambassadors to China, to reporting on poverty reduction programs in Hebei province. My language skills have improved a lot; I recently passed the HSK4 exam and can chat to Chinese people I meet without any problems (unless the subject gets too technical).

In early 2016 I was lucky enough to spend 6 weeks travelling throughout China, visiting nine provinces in that one trip. I discovered that China is a country full of interesting contradictions, and many generalizations about China that foreigners make about the country often turn out to be inaccurate. China is going to play an ever more important role around the world; in politics, climate change mitigation, economics and culturally as well. What this amazing country brings to the table will be different to other major powers, enriching global debate and development. That is perhaps best exemplified by the Belt and Road Initiative, based on the principles of equal partnership and cooperation. I am excited about reporting on the Belt and Road Forum on May 14-15.

Sometimes I miss home; friends, family and British culture, but right now China is the place to be.